Is Solo Leveling poised to become the standout anime of the decade? Judging by the preview, it certainly seems that way.
A fortunate group of Solo Leveling enthusiasts experienced an early Christmas gift on December 13, 2023, with an exclusive screening of the initial two episodes in London’s Leicester Square.
The theater was filled to capacity, excitement reached a crescendo, and the content exceeded all expectations. In fact, it went beyond the anticipated level.
Get ready for an insight into Solo Leveling with our review. Discover what awaits you when it officially premieres on Crunchyroll on January 6, 2024.
Solo Leveling’s Production
The curtains were drawn, the lights subdued, and after an hour’s delay from the scheduled commencement, Solo Leveling transported a privileged audience in London’s Leicester Square into its captivating realm.
The producer initiated the screening with an exclusive pre-recorded discussion. In this session, he elucidated how meticulous efforts were undertaken to ensure that the anime did justice to its source material. Additionally, he delved into the creative decisions made regarding the portrayal of the central character, Jin-woo. The specifics of this interpretation become apparent as the series unfolds. It’s advisable to observe Jin-woo’s clothing, hairstyle, and facial expressions, as they evolve with the narrative.
Before the screening, concerns were voiced about the potential pacing issues, a common pitfall encountered by many anime series. However, by opting to slightly resequence certain scenes, the creators have provided viewers with a more profound understanding of the characters. This adjustment instills confidence in fans, as it promises a well-crafted, unhurried viewing experience.
Solo Leveling Review
In contrast to the source material, Solo Leveling episode one kicks off with a gripping flashback to Jeju Island, three years before the series’ main events. This sequence introduces a group of hunters battling monstrous ants, offering a primer into the world of Solo Leveling. This approach ensures that even those unfamiliar with the source material won’t feel lost.
The narrative then shifts to a city reminiscent of Seoul, following the webtoon’s plot. We are introduced to Jin-woo’s raid party, featuring characters like Go Gun-hee, Cha Hae-in, and Yoo Jin-ho. What ensues is an adrenaline-fueled spectacle of action and gore, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they await the outcome of the Cartenon Temple, provided they haven’t already experienced it.
The stakes are elevated as each member of the raiding party has family and friends relying on them, creating a palpable tension. Nobody desires death, including the protagonist, Jin-woo, whose true motivation for becoming a hunter despite his E-rank is unveiled.
Breathless anticipation accompanies Jin-woo’s strategic battle against an unprecedented foe, with the hero seemingly on the brink of survival, only to be confronted with a heart-wrenching decision. The episode concludes with a twist, leaving Jin-woo’s fate uncertain as Episode 2 concludes with a cliffhanger just before the end of webtoon chapter 10.
While the animation quality is commendable, it doesn’t reach the heights of series like Demon Slayer. The music score by Attack On Titan’s Hiroyuki Sawano, while not particularly distinctive in the first two episodes, complements the narrative perfectly. The strength of the storyline and characters carries the series, providing a captivating introduction to what could potentially become the most significant series of the decade.
Suggested Read: How To Watch Solo Leveling
